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Home » Trending

21 Irresistible Vegetarian Sides to Elevate Any Meal

Published: Jan 26, 2026 by Janelle This post may contain affiliate links - read my disclaimer for full details... Leave a Comment

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Who says sides can’t be the star of the show? These vegetarian recipes bring flavor, texture, and a pop of color to every plate. From crisp-roasted veggies to rich, comforting casseroles, each dish is designed to delight your taste buds and complement any main course. Perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or anytime you want your meals to feel a little more gourmet, these sides are satisfying, wholesome, and packed with creativity. Every bite proves that vegetarian doesn’t mean boring—it means delicious.

Instant Pot Cauliflower

Instant Pot Cauliflower in a white bowl with a fork.
Instant Pot Cauliflower. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Instant Pot Cauliflower couldn't be easier to make! Just 1 minute under pressure gives you perfectly steamed cauliflower! Simply seasoned, this recipe is great for keto, paleo and gluten-free diets.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cauliflower

Easy Blackstone Broccoli Recipe

Easy Blackstone Broccoli Recipe in a white bowl with a spoon.
Easy Blackstone Broccoli Recipe. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Making broccoli on the Blackstone Griddle is incredibly easy to do! Have deliciously tender broccoli ready in no time at all. Broccoli is a great keto Blackstone recipe that pairs easily with many proteins.
Get the Recipe: Easy Blackstone Broccoli Recipe

Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts

Air fryer Brussel Sprouts in a white bowl with a spoon.
Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Enjoy crispy and delicious brussel sprouts in only 10 minutes with this air fryer recipe! Needing only six ingredients, this side dish is sure to grace your weeknight menu over and over again. These brussel sprouts are nutrient-rich, high in fiber, and are gluten-free!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts

Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower (Keto & Gluten Free)

Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower in a white bowl with a spoon, parsley, butter, salt, and black pepper.
Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower (Keto & Gluten Free). Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower is a great low carb alternative to potatoes! These Cauliflower mashed potatoes are deliciously buttery! Also, this mashed cauliflower recipe is low in carbs and is a healthy side dish!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower (Keto & Gluten Free)

Air Fryer Radishes

Air Fryer Radishes with parsley, salt, and pepper in a white bowl with a spoon.
Air Fryer Radishes. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

These Air Fryer Radishes are incredibly easy to make and require only a few ingredients. They're a great low carb and low calorie side dish. They also spruce up your plate with color!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Radishes

Air Fryer Peppers and Onions

Air Fryer Peppers and Onions in an air fryer basket.
Air Fryer Peppers and Onions. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Air Fryer Peppers and Onions are so sweet and flavorful! They are incredibly easy to make and done in about 10 minutes! Cooking peppers and onions in the Air Fryer is so easy!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Peppers and Onions

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash on a white plate with parsley, salt, and pepper.
Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash is a delicious side dish and easy low carb recipe. It's a good low carb alternative to pasta and great for those following a keto or paleo diet! BONUS it's super easy to make and done in less than 20 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Air Fryer Red Potatoes

Air fried red potatoes in an air fryer basket.
Air Fryer Red Potatoes. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air fryer red potatoes are almost effortless to make, healthy, delicious, and the perfect side dish for your next meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Red Potatoes

Air Fryer Acorn Squash

Acorn squash after air frying with some of the insides scooped up on a fork.
Air Fryer Acorn Squash. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air fryer acorn squash is delicious & simple to prepare. Perfect fall side dish for anyone looking for simple, low effort dish. Ready in about 25 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Acorn Squash

Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Plate of butternut squash in front of an air fryer with a blue napkin in the background.
Air Fryer Butternut Squash. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air fryer butternut squash is a savory & healthy side dish! Cubes of squash are tossed with spices & roasted in the air fryer. Ready in 20 min.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes

Two crispy air fryer hasselback potatoes with chives, garlic and butter on a white plate.
Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Golden brown with crispy buttery edges, these hasselback potatoes made in the air fryer are the ultimate side dish. Seasoned simply with garlic, salt, pepper and fresh chives, they pair perfectly with almost any meal and couldn’t be easier to make!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes

Roasted Purple Sweet Potatoes

Smashed roasted purple sweet potatoes on parchment paper lined baking sheet.
Roasted Purple Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This purple sweet potato recipe uses Stokes sweet potatoes that are smashed, drizzled with melted butter and herbs then roasted until super crispy. The perfect potato side dish with a stunning appearance!
Get the Recipe: Roasted Purple Sweet Potatoes

Sourdough Bread Bowls

Image shows a closeup of a Sourdough Bread Bowl filled with chicken and wild rice soup.
Sourdough Bread Bowls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Elevate your soups and stews with crusty sourdough bread bowls, providing a delightful way to enjoy hearty and flavorful dishes. These bread bowls add a rustic charm and delicious crunch to your favorite comfort foods.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Bread Bowls

Dinner Roll Knots

Indulge in flaky, buttery goodness with homemade crescent rolls that will melt in your mouth and elevate any meal. These rolls are the epitome of comfort and pair perfectly with just about any meal.
Dinner Roll Knots. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Enhance any meal with fluffy and buttery dinner roll knots, adding a touch of warmth and comfort to your dining experience. These irresistible knots are the perfect complement to soups, stews, and holiday feasts.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Roll Knots

Buttery Crescent Rolls

Image shows an overhead view of homemade Crescent Rolls on a baking sheet.
Buttery Crescent Rolls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Indulge in flaky, buttery goodness with homemade crescent rolls that will melt in your mouth and elevate any meal. These rolls are the epitome of comfort and can be enjoyed as a side dish or a standalone treat.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Crescent Rolls

Buttery Dinner Rolls

Image shows a bowl filled with Buttery Dinner Rolls.
Buttery Dinner Rolls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Enjoy soft and buttery dinner rolls that steal the show at any gathering, adding a touch of luxury to your dining experience. These rolls are the perfect accompaniment to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Dinner Rolls

Sandwich Bread

Image shows an overhead shot of a loaf of homemade Sandwich Bread partially sliced on a wooden board.
Sandwich Bread. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Ditch store-bought bread and savor the deliciousness of homemade sandwich bread, perfect for crafting mouthwatering sandwiches. This bread is soft, flavorful, and will take your sandwich game to the next level.
Get the Recipe: Sandwich Bread

Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Grilled Elote Corn Ribs on a black platter.
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Loaded with flavor and a kiss of smoke, these elote corn ribs are as impressive looking as they are delicious! WIth a kick of spice and ready in a jiffy, there's every reason to try these tonight!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Grilled Vegetables

A variety of grilled vegetables on a platter.
Grilled Vegetables. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Tender-crisi marainted veggies grill hot and fast on the Ninja Woodfire Grill, making this an idea easy side dish for so many meals.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables

Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes with chopped chives on a wooden board, accompanied by a spoon and a small dish of chives.
Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Make your holiday cooking stress-free with these easy make-ahead mashed potatoes. They come out soft and fluffy, loaded with all the creamy, cheesy, and buttery goodness you can imagine! Make them up to 3 days in advance - simply bake fresh when you’re ready and enjoy more time celebrating with family and friends. Now you can enjoy everything you love about mashed potatoes, without the last-minute rush.
Get the Recipe: Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Popeyes Coleslaw

A picture of Popeyes coleslaw copycat recipe in glass bowl.
Popeyes Coleslaw. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Crisp and refreshing, coleslaw is a classic side dish that complements a variety of main courses. This recipe features shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing for a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you're enjoying it at a barbecue, picnic, or alongside your favorite grilled dishes, coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch to any plate.
Get the Recipe: Popeyes Coleslaw

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Hi, I’m Lara, a Registered Dietitian and Personal Trainer with a passion for food and travel.

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